Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla's Statement on the Senate Incident
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized that the Senate was not under attack when shots were fired inside its premises last week. He did not confirm whether the "gun-related incident" had been staged. According to Remulla, all evidence indicated that there was no attack on the Senate during the incident.
During a briefing at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) complex, Remulla and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. presented CCTV footage showing how the incident unfolded. The Interior Secretary also reaffirmed that no National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents entered the Senate building, which is located within the GSIS complex.
Remulla stated that before the incident, suspended Acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca reportedly gave instructions to “lock and load.” When asked if it could be concluded that the incident was staged, Remulla responded, “No, the only conclusion is that there was no attack on the Senate.”
He mentioned that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was informed about the matter, but no directives had been issued as of that time. Malacañang also expressed belief that the Senate was “not under attack.”
Timeline of Events
During the briefing, Remulla and Nartatez outlined the timeline of events from May 12 to May 14, when Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa left the Senate. On the morning of May 12, GSIS security officials and OSAA security officials coordinated regarding the security at the GSIS.
The Senate holds sessions and offices at the GSIS complex. Remulla explained that the NBI agents' presence at the GSIS complex was solely for securing the premises, which was coordinated with the Senate maintenance. He noted that all entrances from GSIS to the Senate were being fortified by GSIS maintenance, who had informed the Senate maintenance about the planned drill work on all the doors connecting the Senate and GSIS.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief said that the fortification of doors was requested by the GSIS general manager to secure the entrances after Senator Bato dela Rosa called for a people power.
“GSIS contains billions of pesos worth of artworks displayed on its walls. Had there been an overflow of people going to the GSIS, the losses would have been incredible,” Remulla said.
PNP’s Findings
Remulla noted that none of the NBI group deployed at the GSIS building were wearing tactical gear, indicating “no intention to attack the Senate.” Ballistic reports from the PNP showed that the fired cartridge case recovered by the Scene of Crime Operations (SOCO) was possibly fired by four firearms.
The investigation listed four probable shooters, with three shooting from the Senate premises and one by an NBI agent. Remulla added that General Aplasca called in the OSAA operatives, including the PNP and the Marines, and ordered them to “lock and load.” In his order, you could see the Marines cocking their guns.
Remulla also mentioned that Aplasca gave the lock and load order in full view of the press. “He asked them to follow, and he allowed them to follow up to a certain point. In normal situations, if there is a perceived confrontation, you will clear the building of all personnel because of possible stray fire.”
DOJ's Response
Department of Justice Secretary Vida stated that while the investigation report presented was “compelling,” the department would not take the evidence as is and would review it further by a panel of prosecutors. The DOJ is set to create a panel of prosecutors that will review the evidence submitted by the PNP.
Vida said they have identified the persons who will be held accountable for the incident, but refused to disclose the names because he “does not want to preclude the panel.”
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